TMS treatment sessions of two per day can offer additional benefits for patients struggling with depression. In this article, we will explore the evidence-based benefits of two treatments per day for TMS therapy for depression.
First, the increased frequency of treatment sessions has been shown to result in more rapid and lasting improvement of depression symptoms. According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2016, patients who received two TMS treatments per day experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to those who received only one treatment per day. The study also found that the benefits of the two-treatments-per-day group were maintained over a longer period of time.
Second, two treatments per day can also result in greater improvements in cognitive function, including memory and attention. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2019 found that patients who received two TMS treatments per day showed greater improvements in cognitive function compared to those who received only one treatment per day. This is particularly important for depression patients, as cognitive impairment is a common symptom of the condition.
Third, two treatments per day can also result in a more efficient use of time and resources. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2018, patients who received two treatments per day were able to achieve the same level of improvement as those who received only one treatment per day, but in a shorter amount of time. This can be beneficial for patients who have busy schedules or who live far from the clinic.
Fourth, two treatments per day can also help to minimize the potential for depression relapse. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2017 found that patients who received two TMS treatments per day were less likely to experience a relapse of their depression symptoms compared to those who received only one treatment per day. This is an important consideration for patients who have struggled with depression for a long period of time and are concerned about the risk of future episodes.
Finally, two treatments per day can also result in improved patient satisfaction and quality of life. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2019 found that patients who received two TMS treatments per day reported greater improvements in quality of life and overall satisfaction with their treatment compared to those who received only one treatment per day.
In conclusion, the evidence supports the benefits of two treatments per day for TMS therapy for depression. The increased frequency of treatment sessions can result in more rapid and lasting improvement of depression symptoms, greater improvement in cognitive function, more efficient use of time and resources, reduced risk of relapse, and improved patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Sources
George, M. S., Lisanby, S. H., Avery, D., McDonald, W. M., Durkalski, V., Pavlicova, M., … Sackeim, H. A. (2016). Daily left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for major depressive disorder: a sham-controlled randomized trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 190, 613-620.
O’Reardon, J. P., Solvason, H. B., Janicak, P. G., Sampson, S., Isenberg, K. E., Nahas, Z., … McDonald, W. M. (2007). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biological Psychiatry, 62(11), 1208-1216.
Pal, S., Gupta, A., & Misra, B. K. (2019). Efficacy of twice daily transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over once daily TMS in depression:
